The most powerful of all the Highland Clans, the Clan Donald takes its name from Donald, granson of Somerled, King of the Isles. The clan held extensive territory, and during the struggle of Bruce, Alexander, chief of the clan opposed him. Angus Og, his brother, however, was a strong supporter of King Robert the Bruce, and with a large number of the clan fought for him at Bannockburn. When Bruce succeeded to the throne Alexander’s possessions were granted to Angus.

On the death of Bruce the Clan Donald withdrew their support until they reconciled to David II. At a later date John, Lord of the Isles, and chief of the clan, divorced his wife Amy, with whom he received the possessions of the Clan MacRury, and married Margaret, daughter of Robert, High Steward of Scotland, afterwards Robert II. The marriage was indirectly the cause of the Battle of Harlaw in 1411. In 1429 Alexander, Lord of the Isles, became Earl of Ross, and in revenge for his previous imprisonment he attacked the Crown lands at Inverness and burned the town. James I. Imposed a crushing defeat on the Lord of the Isles and Alexander was imprisoned. The Earldom of Ross was annexed to the Crown and the Lordship of the Isles was forfeited in 1493.

Succession passed to the House of Sleat, and subsequently a member of this family was created a Baronet of Novia Scotia, and in 1776 Sir Alexander MacDonald was created Lord MacDonald of Slate in the peerage of Ireland. In 1910 Sir Alexander W.M.Bosville MacDonald proved his right to be 14th Baronet of Sleat, 21st Chief of Sleat and MacDonald of the Isles.

Crest: A raven on a rock, azure. Badge: Heath. War Cry: Fraoch Eilean. Pipe music: March of the MacDonalds.